43.41.367S 172.44.466E
On Tuesday the 19th April 2005 a team of hams (Greg ZL3IX), Alastair ZL2BCR, Rob ZL3RX, Mike ZL3TMB and Mike (ZL3MJS) made the trip to Mt Herbert to replace the T-800 repeater equipment with the new TM-8100 series that has been developed by Tait Electronics.
While the weather was fine, the peak was clagged in with fog reducing the visibility to under 200m. This made the navigation to the peak rather difficult as only Rob ZL3RX had driven there before some 2 years ago. I picked a path up the hill, which had a few challenging spots. Only later to discover on the way back that there was an easier track a little further round the hill, following the walking tack to the top. I now know for next time.
The site consists of a Porta comm building, older tankard, and two antenna masts.
The main antenna pole the for 147.250. The antennas consist of 4 phased dipoles. The is a small UHF yagi and a dipole on it, that belong to the marine repeater channel 63.
The other antenna pole with the DOC antennas.
While Greg was checking the programming of the new gear, Rob ZL3RX checked the solar panels.
Greg checking the coax feeder and the Antenna.
Photo showing the front of the rack, DOC running T-800 gear on the top, Marine in the middle and the old T-800 Ham gear at the bottom.
Various photos showing the rear of the equipment rack.
Batteries, Solar regulators, and antenna patch panel.
What the trip was all about, The new TB-8100 Repeater !
Greg and Rob Working on the new install.
The Great view from the top……….
73
Mike ZL3TMB